“If you’ve kept an eye on the progress of the economic recovery, then you have seen the recent string of positive data regarding the U.S. consumer and the retail sector. Most recently, the Commerce Department reported that U.S. retail sales rose for the fifth time in six months, climbing 1.6% in March, while consumer confidence numbers bounced back in March, following an unexpected decline in February,” Joseph Hargett Reports From Forbes.

Hargett goes on to say, “This flood of positive economic data has been a boon for the retail sector, with the S&P Retail SPDR (NYSE:XRT) soaring more than 22% since the start of 2010. The ETF currently enjoys support at its rising 10-week and 20-week moving averages, and is poised to take out its all-time high in the 45 area. Despite the group’s strong price action, investors have yet to buy into the rally. Specifically, only about 50% of the 1,311 analyst ratings on retail stocks are “buys,” leaving plenty of room for potential upgrades. As analysts and investors digest the improving economic and technical outlook for the sector, we should see added buying pressure push these stocks steadily higher.”

“With warmer weather knocking on the door, it’s time to cast off the heavy winter clothing and begin shopping for the hottest summer trends. One group within the retail sector that stands to benefit from the quest for summer clothing is department stores. Dillard’s Inc. (DDS) caters to middle- and upper-middle-income women, selling name-brand and private-label merchandise with a focus on apparel and home furnishings. Women’s apparel and accessories account for more than a third of sales,” Hargett Reports.

See more details to the story: HERE

We have put together some more details on the S&P Retail SPDR ETF (NYSE:XRT) including a list of the holdings within the ETF below:

The SPDR® S&P® Retail ETF seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before expenses, the total return performance of the S&P Retail Select Industry® Index (ticker: SPSIRETR).  Our approach is designed to produce portfolios with low portfolio turnover, accurate tracking, and lower costs.

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